Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement, Kalu described the operation as a major victory against criminality and a source of relief for the rescued victims, their families and the nation.
He praised the coordinated efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security and intelligence agencies, saying their professionalism and resilience made the successful rescue possible.
According to the former governor, the operation demonstrates the importance of sustained collaboration among Nigeria’s security institutions and the Federal Government’s commitment to combating insecurity across the country.
Congratulating the rescued victims and their families, Kalu urged politicians and public office holders to refrain from politicising issues of national security.
“Security is not a partisan matter. Criminals do not ask their victims which political party they belong to before attacking them. When our security agencies record successes, every Nigerian should be encouraged because such victories belong to the nation as a whole,” he said.
The senator applauded President Tinubu for prioritising security reforms and commended the NSA for coordinating intelligence operations that led to the successful rescue.
“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, the National Security Adviser for coordinating intelligence and security operations, and our gallant security personnel whose sacrifices continue to keep our country safe. They deserve our appreciation and support,” Kalu stated.
He further appealed to political leaders and public commentators to support the country’s security agencies rather than exploit security challenges for political gains.
“I appeal to politicians and public commentators to avoid playing politics with issues of security. What Nigerians expect from all of us is constructive support, responsible engagement, and a united front against criminality. Our collective objective should be the protection of lives and property, irrespective of political differences,” he added.
Kalu also expressed sympathy to the families who endured weeks of uncertainty during the victims’ captivity and prayed for the full physical and emotional recovery of those rescued.
He urged security agencies to build on the success of the operation by strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements are arrested and prosecuted.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the safety of citizens, particularly schoolchildren.
He also called on Nigerians to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence to aid the fight against insecurity across the country.
